Just south of Playa De Las Americas you’re close enough to the action of the buzzing resort if you fancy a bit more activity of an evening without it being right on your doorstep.

You will find heaps to keep you occupied on your summer holiday to Los Cristianos. How about sipping freshly brewed coffee in a pavement cafe while watching the goings on in the harbour.

What could be more relaxing than watching the colourful fishing boats gently bob on the water in the Spanish sunshine? The old town is full of little shops, bars and cafes to while away the hours on a sunny afternoon.

Don’t forget to check out the market held in the town every Sunday, you’re sure to pick up a holiday bargain or too.

Now for the most important part of a holiday in Los Cristianos the beach.

Los Cristianos is home to a gently shelving sweep of dark sand that’s perfect for sunbathing on. The calm waters in the sheltered bay are great to cool down in.

The nightlife in Los Cristianos is relaxed - you couldn’t find a better place to spend relaxed summer evenings in a local bar. If you do fancy a bit more of a wild night out then Playa De Las Americas is close at hand.

A traditional resting place, the city offers a wide range of accommodation, including numerous hotels and several residential complexes. The coastal area contains several of the city’s main attractions, such as the old harbour, the promenade and the Lago Martiánez complex of swimming pools designed by the Canary Islands architect César Manrique.

Enjoying the sunshine and beaches along the unique volcanic coastline, strolling through the exotic Botanical Gardens or spending an unforgettable day at Loro Parque are just some of the many leisure options on offer at Puerto de la Cruz. Just outside the city, nature lovers can admire the beautiful scenery of the Orotava Valley and the spectacular image of the Teide, Spain’s highest peak.A pioneer of tourism development on Tenerife, Puerto de la Cruz has a long tradition in the field dating back to the late 19th century and the creation of the spa on the site of the present-day Hotel-Casino Taoro.

A few decades later, the city had become a major tourist centre, thanks to the exceptional conditions it was able to offer: an excellent climate, a beautiful volcanic coastline and the unparalleled landscape of the Orotava Valley.

The city extends around a small port and comprises wide avenues and lush landscaped spaces. The best way to explore it is on foot. Historical buildings to be found along the way include the castle of San Felipe, the hermitage of San Telmo and the church of Nuestra Señora de la Peña.

The Port

Emerging around the Plaza del Charco are streets bustling with activity at any time of the day and the beautiful promenade teeming with restaurants and pavement cafes. The port area is one the city’s oldest quarters, housing the Casa de la Aduana (customs building) and the old harbour, which still has a martime air about it. However, the port also has many other attractions, such as Lago Martiánez, designed by the illustrious Lanzarote architect César Manrique. This is an original complex of salt-water swimming pools which, constructed on the volcanic coastline amidst lush vegetation, is a perfect spot for relaxing or taking a refreshing dip.

The majority of the hotels in Puerto de la Cruz are situated along the coast overlooking beautiful beaches of volcanic origin, such as Playa Jardín and Playa Martiánez. These areas offer a wide range of amenities, including nightclubs, restaurants, shops, sports facilities and many other possibilities. There are,for example, the Botanical Gardens on the outskirts of the city. Founded at the end of the 18th century, these contain a rich variety of tropical plants and plant species brought from all over the world.

Meanwhile, an unforgettable day can be spent at Loro Parque watching the parrot and dolphin shows.

In addition to admiring the beauty of the Orotova Valley, nature lovers can also explore the Teide, which at 3,718 metres is the highest mountain in Spain. It is from this volcanic peak that the Teide National Park, which boasts abundant species of wildlife and flora endemic to the Canary Islands, takes its name. This itinerary can be completed by a visit to the Corona Forestal Nature Reserve, which surrounds the national park.

Gastronomy and the Outskirts

A very deep-rooted tradition amongst the people of Tenerife is eating out at “guachinches”, typical restaurants serving the best of traditional cuisine, including vegetable stews and fish casserole. “Vieja”, an indigenous species, is one of the most highly esteemed fish types, together with others such as sardines, jewfish grouper and the local “chicharro” and “sama”. The best meat dishes are marinated meat and rabbit in “salmorejo”, a cold vegetable soup. Not to be missed are the famous “papas arrugadas” (potatoes boiled in salt), served with “mojos” (sauces). These dishes can be accompanied by any of the five Label Guarantee wines produced in Tenerife: Abona, Tacoronte-Acentejo, Valle de Güimar, Valle de la Orotava and Ycoden-Daute-Isora.

Puerto de la Cruz may be used as a base for touring the north of Tenerife. La Orotava, situated in the valley of the same name, has abundant examples of ancestral homes designed in the Canary Islands style of architecture and has been awarded Historic-Artistic Heritage status. At Icod de los Vinos it is possible to admire a beautiful complex of traditional architecture and images as famous at that of the thousand-year-old “drago” tree, an indigenous species. Garachico was once an important port and still contains buildings of great historical merit, such as the castle of San Miguel, the church of Santa Ana and the Palace of the Counts of La Gomera.

A worthwhile stop en route to Santa Cruz de Tenerife is San Cristóbal de La Laguna. The Cathedral, the church of La Concepción and the Episcopal Palace are just a few of the jewels of the historic quarter, which is a World Heritage site.

The itinerary ends in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Situated around its port are wide avenues, squares and exotic green spaces. The capital of Tenerife is famous for its Carnival, one of the brightest and most colourful in the whole of Spain. This festivity, declared to be of tourist interest, is characterised by its lavish costumes and entertainment provided by various bands of street musicians.

The whole of the island boasts a wide range of hotel accommodation, although it is advisable to book in advance for visits to the carnival.

In fact, in spite of Alonso Fernández de Lugo disembarking on this coast in 1494, the city did not begin to develop until a century later, with its port being the motor for growth which has made this city into the second most populated in the Canary archipelago.

Around the port area is an urban route structured into boulevards and wide avenues marked out by a prominent legacy of modernist architecture. In the nerve centre of the city, near the sea is the Plaza de España, built in the middle of the XX c. over the former site of the San Cristóbal castle ( XVI c.)

Facing the square is the Tenerife Island Council building, the seat of the main Tenerife municipal corporation. The building, an example of rationalist architecture, began to be built in the Neoclassic style in the mid 1930s under the direction of the architect Marrero Regalado. Inside, its rooms stand out due to them housing a series of mural paintings by the Canary painter José Aguiar.

At this point several of the busiest streets and squares of the capital meet, such as the Plaza de la Candelaria. Located on the site of the former fortress of San Cristóbal, its centre is presided over by the monument to the Triumph of Candelaria, a Neoclassic style sculpture in Carrara marble and attributed to the Italian Pasquale Bocciardo. This enclave is overlooked by the eighteenth century façade of the la Carta palace, a splendid example of baroque with Neoclassic touches.

Not far from this palace are other important examples of civil architecture. The Casino, built in the first thirty years of the XX century following the eclectic trends of the era, houses in its interior an important collection of works by Canary painters. The Guimerá Theatre has been existence for over one hundred and fifty years, after it was built on the site of the former convent of Santo Domingo. The theatre, which was started in 1849 and inaugurated in 1851, combines in its outward appearance a mixture of classicist and Romantic styles, while its interior is decorated with frescoes and gold leaf

The oldest part of the city retains several religious monuments. The church of San Francisco, one of the most beautiful examples of Island baroque, consists of three naves and consruction began on it in the XVII c. The church of El Pilar, from the XVIII century, was built on the ruins of a former hermitage.

Of major historical interest is the church of la Concepción, the basic construction of which dates from 1500. The church, initially called the church of la Santa Cruz, was restored in 1653, while the present tower was constructed in 1786. On the outside, the Canary colonial style construction stands out due to its wooden balcony typical of the island. The church has a Latin cross plan and is structured into five naves. Inside it houses an important collection of religious art. It is also worth mentioning the gothic image of the Virgen de la Consolación, and the Cross of the Conquest, brought to the island by the conquistador Fernández de Lugo, as well as various processional thrones.

The city also has several green areas filled with exotic species of trees. García Sanabria Park houses an important Museum of Open Air Sculptures. This is an original enclave in which the works of contemporary artists are exhibited alongside palm trees and other tropical plant species. Here you can admire creations by Spanish and foreign artists such as José Guinovart, Óscar Domínguez, Joan Miró or Henry Moore.

Another place you must visit is the Maritime Park, an area for relaxation designed by the Canary architect César Manrique and situated on the former commercial dock. In la Caleta de Negros, very near this complex, yoou can see the castle of San Juan, one of the best preserved castles on the island. Also known as the Black Castle, this circular defensive bastion was built in the first half of the XVII century, using blocks of volcanic stone for its construction.

To enjoy the seaside, it is worth a visit to San Andrés, a neighbouring seaman’s quarter located beside the beach of las Teresitas, with fine golden sands.

Culture, gastronomy, and the outskirts

The city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is famous for its Carnival, one of the most spectacular in Spain. This fiesta, which has been declared of International Tourist Interest, is characterised by the spectacular costumes and the performances of the murgas (satirical singing groups), rondallas (musical groups) and comparsas (dance groups). There is a wide choice of hotels throughout the island, although it is advisable to book early for Carnival.

The capital of Tenerife serves as a showcase for the typical gastronomy of the island. Pork is the base for preparing rancho (a typical stew). Also, it shares with the rest of the archipelago the famous papas arrugadas (potatoes boiled in their jackets) and mojos (spicy sauces). The sea provides fish such as jack mackerel, vieja sancochada (typical fish stew), sardines, mackerel, grouper, as well as various shellfish. Desserts include delights such as pastel de cabello de ángel (a dessert made from pumpkin) frangollo with honey (a typical dessert made from sweetcorn) or truchas de batatas con almendras (pastries filled with sweet potato paste and almonds)

To accompany your meal, you can choose between any of the five Designation of Origin wines produced in Tenerife: Abona, Tacoronte-Acentejo, Valle de Güimar, Valle de la Orotava and Ycoden-Daute-Isora. Once you have finished your stroll around the city, a good option is to go on an excursion to discover the outskirts. A few kilometres from the capital is San Cristóbal de La Laguna, whose historic quarter has been declared World Heritage. The cathedral, the modernist Leal theatre and the church of la Concepción XVI c.) are worth a visit. One of its jewels is the Bishop’s Palace (XVII c.), built in the baroque style with a beautiful interior courtyard.

From the nature point of view, Tenerife is an island of contrasting landscapes. The extensive beaches in the south of the island give way in the north to lush vegetation. And in the centre of the island is Mount Teide which, with its 3,718 metres, is the highest point in Spain. This volcanic peak gives its name to the Teide National Park, a protected area which contains abundant endemic species of Canary flora and fauna. In the Park is also the Parador de las Cañadas del Teide.

Constituted in 1496 this city (since 1510) is the spiritual and political centre of the island of Tenerife.

No wonder, that Pope Clement XI. in 1701 chose La Laguna to found the first university in the canaries.

Even though La Laguna lost its capital status to Santa Cruz 20 years later, the city still today is the cultural and religious center of the island and hosts — since 1818 — the Bishop’s seat.

In 1999, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and lovers of historic buildings will fully enjoy a trip to La Laguna.

Throughout the city there are palaces, monuments and traditional houses in the architectural style from the 17th and 18th Century.

In January 2006 the former home of the Counts of Salzar — seat of the diocese Tenerife — was destroyed in a devastating fire. The building from the year 1664 was one of the most important architectural treasures, and had the most beautiful baroque facade of the Canary Islands.

Although the front will be rebuilt within the next 3 years — unrecoverable are art treasures, portraits of all the bishops of Tenerife and the extensive library were totally destroyed.

Nevertheless, La Laguna is always worth a visit to explore the present and the historical past of this important city

On some occasions the streets are decorated with beautiful patterns and become true works fo art in themselves.

This is the case in the Corpus Christi celebrations held in La Orotava, where the locals create spectecular tapestries made up of flower petals and coloured volcanic sand from Mount Teide.

The island’s traditional architecture still exists today in most of the villages on the island, where historical buildings and valuable religious icons are well maintained. UNESCO declared La Laguna a world heritage site; the Orotava Valley has been declared a monument of national historic and artistic value; and the street of Garachico have been awarded the Gold Medal for Fine Arts.

Tenerife also loves contemporary art and it is possible to admire spectacular architectural works such as the Tenerife Auditorium or the Internation Faris and Congress Centre, both works by the architect Santiago Calatrava, which are situated in the capital Santa Cruz.

A complete arts programme takes place throughout the year including sculpture, photography, music, dance and theatre.

The Auditorium is home to the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra on eof the most prestigious orchestras in Europe and enjoys a musical season of visiting artists, who provide splendid performances in the magnificent setting of the Auditorium.

One can find endless options when looking for a typical restaurant to sample the island’s delicious specialities.

The new Canarian Island cuisine has raised the standard by using the best-kept culinary secrets and traditions on the island. They have worked towards reviving he most authentic and traditional recipes and applying to each dish special techniques, learnt through study and experience.

Exquisite fish, succulent, shellfish, tasty meats… all of which are complemented by any one of the excellent wines from its five best denominations from the five areas after which they are named. They are the product of the rich volcanic earth in which they are cultivated and the work of the best wine cellars.

The gastronomic richness of the isalnd is made complete by a huge variety of cheese, numerous types of honey and the typical accompaniment to any dish: the famous papas arrugadas, covered in red or green mojo, two tasty sauces made respectively from red peppers and coriander.

Useful Link: For more detailed information on Tenerife Restaurants and Food please visit this website, TenerifeDining.com

The sea, which bathes the island’s tranquil beaches, is a perfect place to enjoy all sorts of water sports:

• Sailing
• Surfing
• Wind- & Kite Surfing

are but a few of the possibilities.

You can discover the many miles of unspoilt coastline around Tenerife or the joys of water skiing and deep-sea fishing.

Beneath the surface there are spectecular rock formations and abundant animal and plant life of brilliant colors, ideal for those interested in diving.

Tenerife’s unique climate and biological conditions make it possible to see one of the world’s most important colonies of Pilot whales and Bottlenose dolphins, both endangered species. They are found happily playing near the boats off the coastline greeting visitors with their friendliness and curiosity.

Getting to know the island is a fascinating experience: discover volcanic lunar landscapes, walk through leafy Laurisilva forests, sail alon the magnificent cliffs or stroll around enchanting town filled with the island’s traditional architecture.

Tenerife is part of the Macaronesia, one of four regions in the world offering a rich variety of nature. That’s why its 48 protected areas make up almost half of the island.

The most spectacular, without doubt, is the Teide National Park, dominated ny the magnificent volcano that gives the park its name — which at 3718 metres — is the highest peak in Spain.

Throughout Tenerife there are many tracks ideal for hiking and mountain biking. These are some of the many activities you can consider when organising a holiday to suit your choice, enjoying rural tourism in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Staying in traditional houses or small, rural, enchanting hotels is the perfect way to get to know the Island and its people and to visit the local towns where old traditional festivals are still celebrated today.

Tenerife is without question the perfect place for open-air activities.

At any time of the year, you can enjoy the challenge of outdoor sports such as rock climbing, abseiling, pot holing, caving, para gliding, golf, mountain biking and trekking!

From the 14/9 until 28/10

“Women Do It Project” It is an exhibition that brings together the work of a group of designers specializing in furniture, lighting, accessories and textiles, which are noted for the quality of their work; the sensitivity dumped in their projects and the creativity of their designs, that they have earned respect for both professionals and entrepreneurs, has become a reference point for future generations of designers in Spain.

As in the rest of professions, also in the design incorporating women has been given so late and only with more intensity in the past two decades.

Theirs has been a career full of obstacles, social prejudices and mistrust professionals who have successfully passed as well as having, in many cases compatible with motherhood.

With this highly competitive landscape, which has highlighted have done, basically, for one reason: their professionalism. And under this approach we selected.

Starting with Gemma Bernal, a pioneer in this country, with flagship products of Spanish design and projects in virtually all industrial areas; Along with Nancy Robbins specializes in furniture and interior design and now advises firms to international markets; Margarita Viarnés since estudio-showroom that combines the design of furniture, lighting and interior design with the production and marketing of their own designs; a profile similar to that raised by Eva Prego your studio Stone Design who runs with Cutu Mazuelos in Madrid; Ana Mir, a more transgressive and conceptual designs carpets, furniture, lighting and accessories; until Marre Moerel since Madrid plans for European businesses of furniture and lighting and, in parallel, produces its own designs on pottery. In other cases proyectual capacity has resulted in creating their own businesses such as Lola Castelló who founded Punt Mobles alongside Vincent Martinez in 1980, marking since then the pattern of furniture and facilities; Nani Marquina, which is in charge since 1987, the eponymous company, an emblem in the design of carpets; and lighting, Mariví Calvo founder of Luzifer revival in light valenciano- with Sandro Tothill in 1995.

A trajectory in all of them marked by the effort and perseverance in bringing forward their studies and businesses, realize their projects and grasp its authorship, and that almost always traveling in counterpoint in an industrial environment little receptive.

“The play has its own life, with ups and downs, and produces a sound ideal to transmit energy,” said the Dutch artist Peter Bosch, one of the creators of Krachtgever, at the press conference.

Krachtgever is a dynamic system in which the sound and movement are in constant development.

A wall formed by wooden boxes as a vibrant packaging.

Fourteen columns two and a half meters high and 12 meters long, each formed by four wooden crates, joined by docks and controlled by oscillating engines.

These engines are run by computer to modify the rotation speed, causing interference between the frequencies interesting vibratory stimulated and natural frequencies of construction.

Depending on the combination of engines and the frequencies we choose, which can occur either vibrate independently each box, or a stack full maintain a regular movement itself, or a mixture of vibrations can be generated simultaneously in different positions the whole system.

Each box contains various materials. These “raids”, which vary according to volume, weight and sound have their own characteristics.

When the engine through oscillating stimulate the various vibrations of all the elements-the docks, boxes and their contents, and so on - is an extraordinary complex system.

But despite this complexity, the relationship between all the elements of the facility, visual and auditory, it is not ambiguous. The sounds are pure, without amplification and wealth.

The repertoire of Krachtgever can be described as lots of sounds that vary in strength, rhythm and timbre from the subtle to the energetic, up from the orderly chaotic.

No trick. They are just machines that recreate their own game somewhere in a fascinating world between order and chaos.